Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has called for stronger global cooperation and targeted investment to create more and better-paid jobs across Africa.

Delivering a statement at the Joint Ministerial Committee of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund during the 2026 World Bank Spring Meetings, Haddadi stressed that job creation is an urgent development and stability priority for the continent.

She noted that Africa’s youthful population is its greatest asset, but warned that demographic growth will only translate into prosperity if governments and partners invest in infrastructure, digital skills, strong institutions, and private sector growth.

She also highlighted the importance of expanding access to finance and improving regulatory certainty to support businesses and employment.

Haddadi acknowledged the contributions of the World Bank Group under the leadership of Ajay Banga, while urging reforms to the multilateral system to ensure more predictable and coordinated support aligned with Africa’s regional priorities.

She pointed to continental initiatives such as Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area as evidence of Africa’s commitment to economic reform, industrialization, and job creation.

Haddadi concluded by calling for a shift from fragmented short-term programs to coordinated, long-term investments that can deliver jobs at scale, emphasizing that employment is central to Africa’s resilience, dignity, and shared prosperity.